We’ve all heard the beating of the drums at the south end of Prospect Park on a Sunday afternoon; now hear the story behind the music.
“The Other Side of the Water,” by director and co-producer Jeremy Robins and co-producer Magali Damas, is a new documentary film that traces the origins of ancient Haitian rara music and explores its significance in the Haitian-American community through the eyes of the Brooklyn-based band DJARARA (pronounced JAH-RA-RA).
These young musicians use the roots music, which is controversial because it is affiliated with vodou, to address social issues that affect Haitian–Americans while promoting unity and change.
In this film, DJARARA tries to erase the negative stigma that has always been associated with the music, while embracing their heritage. Greenpoint resident Robins says that the objective of “The Other Side” — which took five years to complete — is to “present a nuanced, textured portrait [of Haitian culture].”
“The Other Side of the Water” will be screened on Aug. 28 at BAM Rose Cinemas (30 Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place in Fort Greene). Show times are 4:30 pm, 6:50 pm and 9:15 pm. Tickets are $11. For information, call (718) 636-4100 or visit www.bam.org.
